Hope for local Pilkington's Tiles staff despite Dorset redundancies

Administrators have announced the first wave of redundancies at Pilkington's Tiles but said they expect to restart production at its factory in Swinton, Greater Manchester, over the next few days. The group was placed in administration on Monday after attempts to refinance the business failed.

Administrators have announced the first wave of redundancies at Pilkington's Tiles but said they expect to restart production at its factory in Swinton, Greater Manchester, over the next few days.

The group was placed in administration on Monday after attempts to refinance the business failed.

Thirty-seven jobs have been axed at its factory in Poole, Dorset, which is being closed.

Eight employees are being kept on there for a while to maintain the site and despatch orders.

Pilkington's Group employs a further 343 staff at Swinton, where production of terrazzo flooring is due to recommence.

Paul Flint, of administrator KPMG, said this reflected the level of demand for the product, adding: “We have received a great deal of interest in potential buyers for this part of the business.”

Mr Flint added: “Unfortunately, due to the uncertain long-term customer demand for the tiles produced at the Poole site, we have decided to halt production, resulting in staff redundancies. However, we are still working hard to find a buyer for the factory either on a standalone basis or as part of an overall sale of the business.”